The Buried Village beautiful park and stream walks Rotorua

Buried Village is one of Rotorua's iconic tourist destinations. Whare of Tuhoto

The Buried Village Te Wairoa Stream and waterfall walk

Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 48 hours in advance

4.5 / 5 (1093)

Buried Village Experience

Stories of survival and resilience are told throughout our museum exhibits and in over 1km of heritage excavations. Wander through our beautiful park where the people of Te Wairoa lived before the eruption, which includes the Te Wairoa Stream and waterfall walk. Often described as peaceful and tranquil, the regeneration hides the scars of one of New Zealand’s deadliest disasters.

From: NZ$25.00

Per Person

1 Days

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation.

Highlights

Museum
Excavated Sites
Stream and Waterfall trail
Cafe
Treasure Hunt for kids

Full Description

The Buried Village

Where stories of the Tarawera Eruption come to life

Stories of survival and resilience are told throughout our museum exhibits and in over 1km of heritage excavations. Wander through our beautiful park, where the people of Te Wairoa lived before the eruption, which includes the Te Wairoa Stream and waterfall walk. Often described as peaceful and tranquil, the regeneration hides the scars of one of New Zealand’s deadliest disasters.

Run by four generations of the Smith Family for nearly 90 years, the Buried Village is one of Rotorua’s iconic tourist destinations and New Zealand’s most visited archaeol...

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Includes

Entry to Museum, Sites, & Waterfall

Meeting Point

1180 Tarawera Road, Rotorua

Additional Information

Please print or take screenshots of your tickets before leaving town
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Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before activity starts.

Terms

Bring appropriate clothing for weather conditions
Good walking shoes, jackets and umbrellas are recommended for customers to bring if the forecast is for rain

From

NZ$25.00

Per Person

1 Days

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation.

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1180 Tarawera Road, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua, New Zealand, 3076

Buried Village Admission

The Buried Village is New Zealand's most visited Archaeological Site, where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption come to life.

Duration
1-2 hours

Bookings are valid for the entire day. We open from Wednesday to Sunday at 10 am, and you are welcome to arrive any time during the day. To make the most of your visit, the latest time you should aim to arrive is 3.15 pm

About
EXPERIENCE the award-winning Museum of Te Wairoa exhibition and be enriched in the collection of excavated objects (Taonga) over 140 years old.

EXPLORE the archaeological sites which reveal the devastation of the eruption to this once bustling European and Māori village settlement. Walk among and enter the very sites that once housed the people of Te Wairoa.

TAKE the beautiful waterfall trail, which showcases the stunning Te Wairoa Falls. Be thrilled as you stand in the spray of the waterfall as it plunges 30 meters to the valley below.

CHILDREN can enjoy Smithy's Treasure Hunt, searching through the excavated sites for clues to find treasure at the end of the visit.

REFRESH at Smith & Co offering delicious scones (with whipped cream and jam), a great Cabinet selection, Devonshire Tea, and excellent freshly-ground coffee, or browse the range of gifts in our gift store.

More info
A visit to the Buried Village encompasses Rotorua's most scenic drive and starting with the Redwood Forest walking and bike trails (5 minutes from city), Redwood Treewalk (voted NZ's 1 tree-top bridge walk by Tourism NZ), Blue and Green Lakes freedom walk (10 minutes from city), Start of the Tarawera Trail (a 14 km freedom tramp to Hot water Beach) just 15 minutes from city, Buried Village and Te Wairoa Waterfall (just 20 minutes from city) and then to the Lake Tarawera Landing (just 30 minutes from city) where you can catch a water-taxi for a lake cruise to either Hot-water beach or to the trail that leads to Tarawera Falls (voted NZ's 1 waterfall by Department of Conservation). The Tarawera Waterfall trail is a comfortable 90-minute trek from the shores of Lake Tarawera into the Tarawera native bush area.

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You can cancel for free up to 48 hours before the day of the experience, local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the experience suitable for elder people?

Yes, the Buried Village is generally suitable for elderly visitors. The main museum and information centre are accessible, and the guided tour provides seating opportunities.

Is the site wheelchair or mobility accessible?

While the museum and information centre are accessible, the archaeological site and waterfall trail may pose challenges for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility due to uneven terrain. The walk is approximately 1.5 km and is predominantly flat, but the natural setting may include uneven surfaces.

Can I visit the Buried Village in all weather conditions?

The Buried Village is open year-round, but the experience is weather-dependent. The museum and information centre are indoors, providing shelter during adverse weather. However, the archaeological site and waterfall trail are outdoors, and conditions can become slippery or challenging during rain.

Are food and beverages available onsite or nearby?

Yes, the Buried Village has an on-site cafe, Smith & Co Cafe, offering a range of hot and cold cabinet-style food, as well as hot and cold beverages.

What should I bring for the tour?

Please bring clothing suitable for the weather conditions. We recommend wearing good walking shoes and bringing jackets and umbrellas if rain is forecast.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before the activity starts.

Buried Village Experience

From: NZ$25.00

Highlights

Museum

Excavated Sites

Stream and Waterfall trail

Cafe

Treasure Hunt for kids

Visit

Full Description

Includes

Additional Information

NZ$25.00

Buried Village Admission

Book Your Experience

Traveler Details

Payment Details

NZ Bank Account (Direct Debit)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the experience suitable for elder people?

Is the site wheelchair or mobility accessible?

Can I visit the Buried Village in all weather conditions?

Are food and beverages available onsite or nearby?

What should I bring for the tour?

What is your cancellation policy?

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